WealthTech on Deck

This week, Jack Sharry talks with Ken Dychtwald and Ken Cella. Ken Dychtwald is the Founder & CEO of Age Wave. He is a psychologist, gerontologist, and author of 19 books. For decades, Ken has been regarded as the nation's foremost thought leader on population aging and its profound business, social, financial, and cultural implications for the healthcare workforce.  Ken Cella is the Head of External Affairs at Edward Jones, where he is responsible for fostering strategic partnerships and expanding relations with policymakers, industry leaders, and other influencers to make a greater impact on society. He is also a member of the Edward Jones Enterprise Leadership Team, which guides the firm's strategy to grow its impact and create value for clients, colleagues, and communities today and into the future.  Together, they unpack one of the most overlooked and under-discussed financial issues in American households: caregiving. Drawing on insights from research commissioned by Edward Jones in partnership with Morning Consult and Age Wave, Ken Cella and Ken Dychtwald share the emotional, financial, and societal costs of caregiving. With nearly half of all Americans either serving as or expecting to become caregivers, this conversation sheds light on what it truly means to care for a loved one and what financial advisors can do to better support clients in navigating these challenges. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:29) - Edward Jones' groundbreaking study on caregiving  (04:25) - The wide-ranging impact of caregiving on families and society (06:57) - Why Edward Jones is investing in caregiving research (11:06) - Caregiving's reach: a reality for nearly everyone  (13:47) - Edward Jones' transformation toward holistic financial wellness (18:29) - Culture, community, and client well-being at the center (21:18) - Balancing technology with timeless values (23:59) - Building trust in the advisor–client relationship (27:45) - Ken Cella on the emotional toll—and fulfillment—of caregiving (30:05) - Ken Dychtwald's key insights and takeaways (32:30) - Ken Cella's interests outside of work (33:25) - Ken Dychtwald's interests outside of work Quotes "Caregiving takes a toll beneath the surface, and a lot of times, people don't talk about it." ~ Ken Cella "We're in the business of helping people feel competent and secure in their financial future. So, we want to improve retirement security for families and caregivers." ~ Ken Cella "Edward Jones is really serving the fabric of America in a way that's unique. We want to be part of a solution where business and society come together to create better outcomes for families through financial wellness." ~ Ken Cella "It's not just the super-wealthy who need someone in their corner. It's everyday folks who need a guide, someone to direct them and help them." ~ Ken Dychtwald "I have never encountered a firm that I thought cared more about both its work, the people who work there, the population it serves, and the community. So, I've grown a lot of respect and affection for the people of Edward Jones, and I feel proud to be affiliated with Edward Jones." ~ Ken Dychtwald "There's a lot of strain, disruption, and unhappiness that can come with seeing somebody you love struggle. But there was also a sense of honor and a sense of doing something good for a loved one. The fact that Edward Jones is taking the lead in representing the purpose of caregiving, its high intention, and the quality of life that comes from it is to be applauded." ~ Ken Dychtwald Links  Ken Cella on LinkedIn Ken Dychtwald on LinkedIn Age Wave Edward Jones Morning Consult Susan Collins Mark Warner Brittany Pettersen Maria Elvira Salazar Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Teddy Gold is the co-founder of 3i Members, a private, invite-only network for family offices, exited entrepreneurs, and active fund managers. With a background in investment and a passion for building communities rooted in trust, Teddy helped launch 3i to solve the problem of random deal sourcing by leveraging curated peer collaboration.  This week, Jack Sharry talks with Teddy about how 3i Members has grown into a thriving platform that facilitates smarter investing through crowdsourced expertise and strong relationships. They explore how the network vets opportunities, builds trust through shared values and non-solicitation, and helps members navigate everything from private deals to personal financial decisions. Teddy also shares why many successful investors are turning away from traditional wealth management models in favor of peer-driven, transparent support systems. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:58) – What is 3i Members? (03:57) – Why investing benefits from qualified crowdsourcing (05:30) – How the 3i crowdsourcing model actually works (07:09) – The role of trust in successful peer investing (08:50) – Community, credibility, and connection: the currencies of 3i (14:03) – Core principles behind a trusted investment platform (19:27) – The 3i business model: transparency over transaction fees (21:16) – Teddy's big takeaways on trust and network-driven decision-making (24:13) - Teddy's interests outside of work Quotes "Deal sourcing is random, and we can make that process less random by creating a network of people we know and trust." ~ Teddy Gold "There's no shortage of noise in the world, particularly around investments, and no shortage of new sources of information. What's hard is finding good, curated, quality voices." ~ Teddy Gold "Investing is a good application of crowdsourcing as long as the crowd itself is qualified." ~ Teddy Gold "The fundamental piece of building trust is giving in proportion to the amount you're taking in a relationship." ~ Teddy Gold Links  Teddy Gold on LinkedIn 3i Members Mark Gerson GLG Billy Libby Goldman Sachs  Upper90 City Parks Foundation Authentic and Ethical Persuasion Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

John Sweeney is a seasoned financial services leader with a career spanning senior roles at Fidelity Investments to entrepreneurial ventures at the forefront of innovation. Over nearly two decades at Fidelity, he drove product and technology development across mutual funds, ETFs, managed accounts, and retirement solutions. After leaving Fidelity, he immersed himself in startups exploring blockchain, alternative investments, and AI. Today, as head of Praxis Solutions, he blends strategic insight with advanced technology execution, helping wealth and asset management firms harness AI and blockchain to improve efficiency, decision-making, and client outcomes. This week, Jack talks with John about how Praxis Solutions uses AI and blockchain in concert to solve complex challenges in financial services. From dramatically reducing investment review times to enhancing compliance processes, John explains how his team builds custom, scalable tools that integrate into existing workflows. They explore blockchain as a “source of truth” and AI as a visible decision-making engine—technologies that together improve efficiency, reduce costs, and democratize access to institutional-grade advice while maintaining accuracy, transparency, and regulatory compliance. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:21) – John's career journey: from Fidelity leadership to fintech innovation (03:44) – Moving into the blockchain space and its early applications (05:58) – Where smaller companies should begin their AI journey (07:23) – How AI and blockchain work together (09:18) – Inside Praxis Solutions: strategy, execution, and innovation (12:07) – The types of clients Praxis serves best (15:20) – AI as a powerful tool for building new solutions (16:44) – Breaking down the Praxis business model (18:34) – Front, middle, and back-office AI use cases in financial services (21:41) – Streamlining compliance, policies, and procedures with AI (24:15) – The future of AI in financial services (26:19) – How AI is reshaping the cost of custom solutions (28:02) – John's top takeaways for financial leaders exploring AI (29:41) - John's interests outside of work Quotes "AI, in general, is great at taking large, complex data sets that are today analyzed by expensive humans." ~ John Sweeney "When we think about our aspirations as a firm and why we think AI is going to be a useful tool for financial advisors and their ecosystem that serves end investors, we think it democratizes a lot of access to institutional-grade theses." ~ John Sweeney "The cost of custom software used to be very expensive, and AI development has changed that." ~ John Sweeney Links  John Sweeney on LinkedIn Fidelity Investments Praxis Solutions Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, Jack Sharry talks with Jamie Hopkins, Chief Wealth Officer at WSFS Bank and CEO of Bryn Mawr Capital Management. Before WSFS Bank, Jamie held various positions at Carson Group, including Managing Partner of Wealth Solutions, Managing Director of Carson Coaching, and Director of Retirement Research. Jamie is also the Founder of FinServ Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to coaching and developing the next generation of financial professionals.  Jamie shares his journey from personal tragedy to industry leadership, highlighting how his mother's experience inspired a lifelong mission to expand access to financial guidance. They explore the convergence of wealth management models, the future of trust and estate services, and why firms must invest in people over products. Jamie also discusses his work with the FinServ Foundation, advocating for a more inclusive and sustainable financial industry. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:20) – Jamie's personal “why” for joining the financial industry (06:13) – A career built on passion, scale, and purpose (09:05) – How firm types are converging in today's landscape (13:38) – The challenge of defining and delivering differentiated service (17:33) – What's next: Trusts, estate planning, and digital disruption (19:44) – Why estate planning is the industry's overdue frontier (22:00) – Jamie's mission to give back and shape the next generation (25:18) – Three takeaways for the future of financial advice (27:08) - Jamie's interests outside of work Quotes "Great companies come down to great people. Try to find great people to surround yourself with. You're only as good as they are." ~ Jamie Hopkins "I see firms that want to be everything to everybody, and realistically, you usually cannot be that. That holds you back from some of the growth and scale that you might be looking for." ~ Jamie Hopkins "Wealth management services look more similar everywhere. It's your people for the next decade that are going to distinguish you from anywhere else. So, invest in your people, take care of them, hire great people, find great people, and keep them." ~ Jamie Hopkins Links  Jamie Hopkins on LinkedIn WSFS Bank FinServ Foundation The American College of Financial Services Carson Group  Omani Carson SEI iCapital Trust & Will Wealth.com Wealth Management EDGE Conference Financial Services Institute Schwab Impact conference McKinsey Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, Jack talks with Perry Moutzouros (Oranj) and Mathew Dellorso (Altigo) about how their companies joined SEI and are now driving innovation from within. Perry shares how Oranj reimagined advisor-facing technology, while Mathew explains how Altigo revolutionized access to alternative investments. Together with SEI, they're building a unified, streamlined wealthtech ecosystem that enhances the advisor and client experience. The conversation explores scaling challenges, advisor education, the growing role of AI, and SEI's broader strategy to deliver personalized, tax-smart, multi-account solutions.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:40) - The origin and evolution of Oranj (04:31) - Matt's journey to launching Altigo (08:57) - Perry's role in SEI's long-term technology strategy (11:15) - How SEI Access is transforming the alt investment experience (15:30) - What's next for SEI Connect (18:10) - Scaling the marketplace (23:29) - Why advisor education is the key to alt adoption (25:11) - Can AI bridge the education gap? (27:57) - Matt's and Perry's interests outside of work Quotes " Alts in client portfolios can create good outcomes. They can create differentiation and be a good source of business for advisors." ~ Mathew Dellorso "The world of alternative investments is very opaque, and it's hard to find certain products that produce yield, help with growth, or provide tax advantages. We create a nice marketplace that helps advisors find what they're looking for to help clients enhance their portfolios." ~ Mathew Dellorso  "A unified front office makes it a lot easier for people to engage, and working with SEI is probably one of the biggest goals that we have." ~ Perry Moutzouros "AI is the great bridge that solves the education problem in alternative investments." ~ Perry Moutzouros Links  Perry Moutzouros on LinkedIn Mathew Dellorso on LinkedIn SEI WealthForge David Lyon SEI Access BlackRock KKR Hamilton Lane Morgan Stanley Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, Jack Sharry talks with Tony Davidow, Senior Alternative Investment Strategist at Franklin Templeton, about the rising importance of alternative investments. Drawing from decades of experience and his latest book, Private Markets, Tony breaks down how advisors can responsibly incorporate private equity, credit, and real estate into client portfolios. He discusses the evolution of the wealth channel, the challenges of advisor education, and the need for clear, jargon-free communication with clients. Together, they emphasize thoughtful allocation over hype, aiming to empower advisors to build stronger, more resilient portfolios in today's changing financial landscape. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:08) - Tony's unconventional path into alternatives (04:58) - Tony's role at Franklin Templeton (07:07) - Tony's book, Private Markets, and its early success (13:54) - The liquidity trap: why alts don't belong in ETFs (16:33) - Concerns and opportunities in the growing alts market (20:21) - Integrating alternatives within a portfolio  (22:38) - What's next for alternatives? (24:14) - Tony's key takeaways (25:47) - Tony's interests outside of work Quotes "We need to make sure we can get clients comfortable with what these (alts) strategies are designed to do. If we use them the right way and clients and advisors have a good experience, the overall industry flourishes." ~ Tony Davidow " This industry will always evolve. And that's what makes it so exciting, and it's why people of our generation are still excited about the industry every day." ~ Tony Davidow "There's a lot of information available in the industry. Start on the journey, and wherever you are on the journey, keep on challenging yourself. You'll have a higher likelihood of achieving your client's goals by using alternative investments." ~ Tony Davidow Links  Tony Davidow on LinkedIn Franklin Templeton Franklin Templeton Institute Morgan Stanley Guggenheim Partners Charles Schwab Private Markets: Building Better Portfolios with Equity, Private Credit, and Private Real Estate Alternative Allocations with Tony Davidow Goals-Based Investing: A Visionary Framework for Wealth Management Neil Bathon Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Jenny Johnson Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, Jack Sharry talks with Connor Coughlin, Chief Commercial Officer at Apex FinTech Solutions. Connor shares Apex's origin story and its mission to become the “Shopify of investing” through API-driven, modular tools. They discuss the convergence of fintech and traditional wealth management, the growing expectations of millennial investors, and how Apex is empowering firms to digitize at scale. Connor also dives into the firm's cutting-edge AI initiatives, including a custom data lake and chatbot for clients. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:42) - The origin of Apex (03:21) - The Shopify of investing (05:40) - Apex's key initiatives and priorities (09:18) - Connor's career journey (15:56) - Apex's product roadmap (18:20) - AI, data, and the future of advice (20:54) - Connor's key takeaways (22:16) - Connor's interests outside of work Quotes "On one end of the spectrum, we're helping to take sophisticated firms and digitize them. On the other end, we're giving digital firms the arsenal to compete upstream." ~ Connor Coughlin "The next generation of advice is going to look different. AI is going to play a big role. The role of human advisors is going to change. And the tools and self-service around those platforms are going to change." ~ Connor Coughlin "There's a tidal wave of change coming, and you need good partners to help you surf that wave instead of getting knocked out by it." ~ Connor Coughlin Links  Connor Coughlin on LinkedIn Apex Fintech Solutions PEAK6 Jenny Just Matt Hulsizer Robinhood Stash SoFi Betterment Spark Networks William Capuzzi Apex AscendOS™ Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Jed Finn is the Head of Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley, where he leads one of the world's largest and most sophisticated wealth management platforms. Since joining the firm, he has played a central role in its strategic growth, spearheading large-scale integrations, key acquisitions like E*TRADE and Solium, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Under his leadership, Morgan Stanley has expanded its client base from 2.5 million to over 20 million and grown assets under management from $2.5 trillion to $6 trillion. A strong advocate for data-driven strategy and advisor collaboration, Finn is helping redefine the future of wealth management. This week, Jack talks with Jed about the firm's evolution into a wealth management powerhouse. Jed details how Morgan Stanley has consolidated client relationships, embraced AI and global strategies, and built an ecosystem capable of delivering institutional-grade services to individual clients. He shares how early engagement, integrated capabilities, and relentless execution have positioned the firm as an industry leader—and how Morgan Stanley continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in wealth management. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:23) - Morgan Stanley's growth strategies (09:00) - Jed's continued pursuit of the new sales growth strategy (10:20) - The three key trends shaping Morgan Stanley's future strategies (16:10) - The pillars of how Morgan Stanley executes and delivers opportunities (20:39) - Jed's interests outside of work Quotes "Wealth management is a scale business, and you need to have the scale to keep up with all the demands in terms of resources, whether it's changes in regulations, technology changes, product proliferation, or changing preferences of clients and advisors." ~ Jed Finn "At Morgan Stanley, we want to give you an experience that builds trust and confidence so that when you're ready to establish an advice relationship, we make an introduction to a financial advisor." ~ Jed Finn "If we listen to the best practitioners in the industry tell us what they need to serve their clients most effectively, and then deliver it to them, good things are going to happen." ~ Jed Finn Links  Jed Finn on LinkedIn Morgan Stanley Eaton Vance E*TRADE Shareworks | Morgan Stanley at Work Carta Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Alicia Rich. Alicia is the Head of Client and Advisor Digital Enablement at Broadridge, a global fintech company specializing in investor communications, wealth management, and digital transformation solutions. In her role, Alicia focuses on designing seamless, personalized experiences that empower financial advisors to work smarter and build stronger relationships with clients. Jack and Alicia discuss how her team is transforming the advisor experience by integrating intelligent technology with human insight. They explore how personalized content, CRM integration, and AI can deepen client relationships, improve decision-making, and demonstrate ROI. Alicia also emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' values—not just their data—and discusses how AI can help advisors connect on a more human level. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:56) - Alicia's role at Broadridge (02:41) - Common pain points in the digital advisor-client experience  (04:07) - Broadridge's current and developing projects  (06:00) - Real-world examples of simplifying advisor workflows and boosting engagement (09:31) - Connecting data and content to deepen client relationships (14:23) - Why MarTech is becoming essential to the advisor experience (16:44) - How AI is transforming wealth management (19:15) - Giving advisors deeper, more human insights with AI  (23:02) - How AI and behavioral science help personalize financial conversations (27:38) - Alicia's key takeaways (28:48) - Alicia's interests outside of work Quotes "The more you engage with clients, the more business they're going to do with you and the more they're going to trust you." ~ Alicia Rich "Advisors are in the people business. They're in a relationship business. It's not about the sale of a product. It's about really understanding people." ~ Alicia Rich "Digital advice is not just about technology and technology replacing humans. We focus on removing the friction. We want humans to do the best work they can, and we do and enable that." ~ Alicia Rich Links  Alicia Rich on LinkedIn Broadridge WSJ Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, Jack Sharry talks with Jeffrey Levi and Rafael Couto for a deep dive into the future of wealth management. Jeffrey is a Principal at Casey Quirk Deloitte and leads the firm's Strategy Offering for Financial Services. He advises wealth and asset managers on complex strategic challenges and spearheads research in areas like private credit, alternative investments, and evolving investment strategies. Rafael, a Senior Manager at Deloitte, helps wealth managers and retirement providers navigate large-scale technology and operational transformations. He focuses on boosting efficiency and improving service delivery, particularly in the growing convergence of workplace and wealth management. Together, they unpack Casey Quirk's latest white paper, which outlines five key growth drivers for the wealth management industry over the next decade. They explore the critical capabilities top-performing firms are building—and how these firms are aligning strategy, technology, and operations to deliver stronger growth and better client experiences. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:37) - Why Deloitte is doubling down on wealth management research (04:03) - Casey Quirk's research participants (06:01) - The five core drivers of future growth in wealth management (09:43) - How these capabilities show up across different channels (11:00) - What it means to build a “transformative DNA” within a firm (15:30) - The challenge of delivering a truly holistic client experience (19:40) - How leading firms are earning and maintaining client trust (24:30) - Why the core wealth platform is becoming a key competitive edge (26:52) - Taking an end-to-end approach to platform design (29:14) - What the future of work looks like in this space (33:17) - Rafael's and Jeffrey's interests outside of work Quotes "In our advisory work, we're seeing a widening gap in performance, growth, and advisor and client experience in the overall marketplace. Some firms are winning, some firms are clearly more stagnant, and in some cases, some firms are starting to decay." ~ Jeffrey Levi "The ecosystem that exists today is going to look very different in five to 10 years because service providers are all evolving to become technology providers. We're seeing massive convergence across servicers, technology firms, clearing and custody firms, TAMPs. We're seeing IBDs want to launch a platform as a service model to serve other parts of the landscape." ~ Jeffrey Levi "When we looked at the characteristics of those that are growing faster, we really saw that they're shaping their services around financial advice and having that at the center of the journey." ~ Rafael Couto "When we say end-to-end, it is what you put in front of the client that matters. But then you have to think all the way down to the operational component, and how you bring everything together. The value you bring to the client is what really makes you win in the market." ~ Rafael Couto Links  Jeffrey Levi on LinkedIn Casey Quirk, A Deloitte Business Rafael Couto on LinkedIn Deloitte Chip Roame Ridgefield 8 Bocce Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, Jack Sharry talks with Colleen Bell, President of Innovation and Experience at Cambridge Investment Research. Colleen is also a member of the Office of the CEO, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Council, and a part of Cambridge's Executive Administration team. She focuses on driving associate engagement and financial professional satisfaction while advancing and discovering new ways to meet ongoing client needs.  Colleen shares how she transforms client and advisor experiences by eliminating friction, digitizing legacy processes, and designing products that meet the increasingly complex needs of today's investors. From AI-powered solutions to driving paperless processes, Colleen walks us through the behind-the-scenes work that powers innovation at scale and how Cambridge is rethinking service models, collaborating across custodians, and pulling together fragmented account data. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:52) - Colleen's role at Cambridge Investment Research (03:36) - Pain points advisors face around customer experience (06:08) - Cambridge's technology solutions for advisors (07:22) - Cambridge's "Paper Not Alive in '25" (11:17) - The role of financial planning in providing comprehensive advice (13:01) - The integration of non-traditional assets (14:57) - Colleen's thoughts about the future of the industry (17:01) - The current and future of AI in wealth management (19:11) - AI adoption among advisors (21:28) - The importance of human interaction and building relationships (23:28) - Colleen's key takeaways (24:14) - Colleen's interests outside of work Quotes "Anything that we can do to automate that experience, remove the need to provide information, or remove all paperwork from the industry is my goal, and that's what we're looking for." ~ Colleen Bell "Artificial intelligence will completely transform the way that our advisors interact with the home office and how they interact with the clients." ~ Colleen Bell "AI is never going to replace what we, as humans, and our advisors do. It's those advisors who don't adopt it who will be left behind because they're not taking the next step to become efficient and effective." ~ Colleen Bell Links  Colleen Bell on LinkedIn Cambridge Investment Research Unreasonable Hospitality Will Guidara The Coming Wave How to Know a Person Frances Frei Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, Jack Sharry talks with Randy Morris, Founder & CEO of Summit Wealth Group, a boutique financial planning firm with 10 offices nationwide. With a career spanning more than three decades, Randy brings deep experience in entrepreneurial leadership, holistic planning, and building a stakeholder-driven culture. Jack and Randy explore Summit's path to independence and how a focus on culture, ownership, and intentional growth fueled the transition. Randy also shares the key reasons they chose SEI as a strategic partner—from cultural alignment to proactive tax strategies for high-net-worth clients—and what it takes to future-proof a boutique firm in today's evolving wealth management landscape. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:16) - Summit's history and foundational philosophy (05:05) - Why Summit selected SEI as a strategic partner (09:05) - Leveraging SEI's proactive tax strategies (10:23) - Building and protecting Summit's company culture (14:58) - Summit's organic growth and intentional M&A approach (17:34) - Randy's key takeaways (19:12) - Randy's interests outside of work Quotes "We wanted to continue growing. We felt that growth was paramount, not only to take care of our client's needs in the future, but also the team members that we would add." ~ Randy Morris "Finding this partner to put on our platform and help us launch Summit 2.0, we found that in SEI." ~ Randy Morris "What we're about is building a better business, and what better way to do that than to bring in partners who have already been doing this in their location? But we want them to be willing to come in and share best practices and share what's working for you and build a better practice." ~ Randy Morris Links  Randy Morris on LinkedIn Summit Wealth Group Good to Great SEI Commonwealth Financial Network Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, Jack Sharry talks with Kellan Brown, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Development Officer at 100 Women in Finance. With an impressive resume that includes leadership roles at Income Lab, PrimeCo, and Finance of America's Retirement Strategies Division, Kellan has also earned accolades like the Disruptor Award and Ascension Award from WealthManagement.com and was named one of InvestmentNews' Women to Watch. In their conversation, Kellan shares the remarkable story of her career journey—from her early days in sports marketing and commercial construction to discovering her passion for championing women in finance. She offers insight into how 100 Women in Finance supports women at every stage of their careers and why mentorship is essential to changing the face of finance, fintech, and investment leadership. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:53) - The mission and impact of 100 Women in Finance (04:32) - Kellan's career journey (07:34) - How the organization's mentorship program is making a difference (10:39) - Kellan's keynote at SEI (13:28) - Programs and initiatives empowering women in finance (19:25) - Advancing women in the finance industry (23:30) - The transformative power of mentorship for women (24:55) - Kellan's interests outside of work Quotes "I was awarded the Disruptor Award for a very clear reason. I believe in all of the work that we're doing, and we are not breaking any laws. Our partners are so committed to us, and we are not alienating anyone." ~ Kellan Brown  "Women elevate every single level of any organization when there's equality." ~ Kellan Brown "In a male-dominated industry, we have to find someone that's going to break that barrier down, give us access, and have allyship." ~ Kellan Brown Links  Kellan Brown on LinkedIn 100 Women in Finance Finance of America Income Lab Michael Lane Allie Carey SEI Sneha Shah Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Allie Carey, Chief Strategy Officer, SEI Private Banking and Wealth Management. Allie focuses on strategic planning, global wealth management industry assessment, global go-to-market strategies, channel partnerships, and M&A opportunities. Jack and Allie talk about the role of bank trusts and private banks in wealth management. Allie shares how banks can harness their vast client base to drive organic growth, the opportunities in private banking, and how technology and data transform how banks serve their clients.  In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:51) - Allie's role at SEI (03:10) - The need for evolving skill sets in the industry (04:19) - How SEI serves clients (08:03) - Opportunities for wealth management in the bank channel (13:00) - SEI's growth strategies (16:45) - Allie's thoughts on UMH (18:14) - The future of private banks (24:25) - Allie's key takeaways (25:08) - Allie's interests outside of work Quotes "Banks have a massive client base across their different business lines. A wealth management business inside a bank can work with its commercial colleagues. They can work with their retail colleagues and their lending colleagues." ~ Allie Carey "We're getting to the point where we could have some real advice across the lifecycle of someone delivered via technology, where humans are curating that, not creating it." ~ Allie Carey  "Banks are well-positioned to win in wealth management. They have that near-end client base. They have the breadth of services to really serve the whole client." ~ Allie Carey Links  Allie Carey on LinkedIn SEI Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Justin Singer, Partner at EY. Justin provides strategy and management consulting services to many top wealth management, asset management, insurance, and retirement firms to drive growth and retention, improve their offerings, and achieve stronger operating margins through strategic and tactical projects. Jack and Justin discuss why WaaS (Wealth as a Service) is the future of financial services. Justin explores how financial institutions can use this integrated, cost-effective, scalable solution to drive efficiency and growth. He also dives into the key drivers behind this shift, the players involved, the exciting opportunities it presents, and the broader industry implications. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:23) - Wealth as a Service defined (05:23) - Service providers in the wealth management space (08:56) - The expected consolidation of broker-dealers and RIAs (11:14) - Challenges for firms in operating wealth management businesses (16:20) - How WaaS improves client outcomes and advisor efficiency (18:51) - The industry's reaction to EY's Wealth as a Service research (21:59) - Justin's key takeaways (23:52) - Justin's interests outside of work Quotes "Wealth as a Service (WaaS) is an integrated, cost-effective, and scalable solution for financial institutions to deliver wealth management in a more turnkey way." ~ Justin Singer "The assets we've built are really positioning financial institutions to be able to drive toward the outcomes that many of them are looking to achieve, which are growth, improved operating efficiency, and scale." ~ Justin Singer "If we end up in a world where there's less broker-dealers, less RIAs, less trust companies, and a few providers that are supporting those entities that are left, I truly believe it's going to drive down costs and allow many firms to be able to go more down market to the mass affluent segment with a more scalable offering." ~ Justin Singer Links  Justin Singer on LinkedIn EY Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Alternative investments are surging in popularity, but how do distributors, asset managers, and advisors adapt? While the appetite for alternatives continues to rise, education remains one of the biggest hurdles to widespread adoption. Managing alternatives requires more than just a basic understanding. It demands deep, specialized expertise. Despite significant investments in training and educational initiatives, the need for deeper expertise remains critical. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Neil Bathon, Managing Partner at FUSE Research Network, about the latest trends in alternative investments. Neil shares insights from FUSE's recent study on alternative distribution, diving into key findings on education gaps, sales strategies, and the importance of partnerships in alts adoption. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:47) - About FUSE Research Network (04:54) - FUSE's alts distribution research findings (06:09) - The importance of education in alts adoption (07:38) - Neil's advice for firms entering the alts market (09:04) - Why partnerships are critical (11:33) - How alts can be incorporated into asset allocation (12:58) - Managing client expectations (16:48) - Neil's recommendations for investing in alts (19:18) - How alternative assets benefit distributors, advisors, and asset managers (20:00) - Neil's key takeaways (21:13) - Neil's interests outside of work Quotes "Distributors are making clear that despite many educational initiatives for years, some of these traditional firms have big institutes or universities specifically to help bring advisors along, but there's still an enormous need for additional education." ~ Neil Bathon "Some of these alternatives can get very complicated. You need to make a significant investment in educating your sales team and your marketing team. You really have to back them up with specialists who can go this third, fourth, or fifth level deep." ~ Neil Bathon "Partnership of some form is the way to go for most firms if they're not already firmly in the alternative business." ~ Neil Bathon Links  Neil Bathon on LinkedIn FUSE Research Network Apollo Global Management KKR Ares Management Blackstone Franklin Templeton Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Arnulf Hsu, CEO of GReminders. Arnulf is a serial entrepreneur and has been leading and running B2B enterprise software companies for the last 20+ years as CEO, CTO, Product Leader, and Board Member. He has a strong background in technology and business development, focusing on building successful ventures and growing companies from the ground up. Jack and Arnulf talk about why GReminders is one of the leading scheduling and meeting management platforms for professionals. They discuss how GReminders integrates with existing CRM systems to manage everything from scheduling and reminders to AI-generated meeting summaries and follow-ups. Jack and Arnulf also share the importance of deeply understanding customer needs and how AI can enhance personalization and efficiency in client relationships. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (00:59) - What GReminders is and how it works (04:57) - The origin story of GReminders (05:59) - Why Arnulf chose to focus on wealth management (09:25) - Feedback from advisors and clients (12:49) - How GReminders compares to Arnulf's past ventures (15:06) - Learning through listening (17:57) - How AI empowers GReminders (19:56) - What's next for GReminders (21:50) - Arnulf's key takeaways (23:34) - Arnulf's interests outside of work Quotes "In this area (wealth management), there were scheduling products that were installed in our customers that, to some degree, they were using, but they weren't very good." ~ Arnulf Hsu "If you have a bunch of data islands everywhere, it's not going to do anybody any good. If you ever want to use AI and analytics on top of this stuff, you better have systems that talk to each other, and data must flow between them." ~ Arnulf Hsu  "Wealth managers aren't IT experts. And so, we believed pretty strongly in a smaller technology stack that has fewer moving parts. It's inherently a better system because you have less complexity." ~ Arnulf Hsu Links  Arnulf Hsu on LinkedIn GReminders Redtail Technology Wealthbox Salesforce Smarsh PreciseFP Zapier Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Mike Capelle, Co-founder & Co-CEO of Modern Wealth Management. From his decades-long career in wealth management, Mike has experience building advisor-client platforms that drive continuous growth. He was part of the team that co-founded, scaled, and sold United Capital, a $25 billion RIA with 90 locations, to Goldman Sachs for $750 million. Jack and Mike discuss how Modern Wealth Management provides a full-service wealth management platform, including tax planning, estate planning, and insurance. They address the challenges and opportunities of integrating legacy systems and the importance of creating a replicable model for national expansion. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:06) - How Modern Wealth Management reshaped financial planning (06:02) - How to serve clients (10:10) - The challenges and opportunities in acquisitions (16:17) - The future of the wealth management industry (18:56) - Mike's key takeaways (22:00) - Mike's interests outside of work Quotes "We saw the need in the market and the opportunity because we felt there was a shift from going to investment to planning, where there was much more alignment between the advisors and the client." ~ Mike Capelle "It's a great opportunity to really impact people's lives. They don't have all the resources to do everything they want. You have to help them understand what they want their future to look like, what things are important, and what trade-offs make sense to them." ~ Mike Capelle "We certainly recognize the opportunity with the industry, and not only do you have an underserved market of people across the country who are developing wealth, but needing help in how they manage it and how they use it as the engine to get to the outcome they want to." ~ Mike Capelle Links  Mike Capelle on LinkedIn Joe Duran United Capital Modern Wealth Management Salesforce eMoney Advisor Doug Fritz Randy Lambert Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Randy Lambert, EVP and Head of RIA Solutions at Intention.ly. Randy shares how his experience scaling Orion informs his work helping FinTech and RIA firms streamline operations, align marketing, and enhance client engagement. He highlights the importance of eliminating silos, implementing intelligent automation, and transforming operations from a cost center to a strategic growth engine. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:39) - Randy's journey at Orion  (07:10) - The transition to Intention.ly (11:54) - Integrating marketing, sales, and operations (14:41) - Growing and scaling RIAs (18:43) - Bridging the gap between the marketing and operations (19:57) - Building a customer success model (22:40) - Randy's final thoughts (24:02) - Randy's interests outside of work Quotes "One of the weakest links in the technology chain is the advisor using the technology." ~ Randy Lambert "The better that an advisory team is able to systematize its operations, the better chance they have of being successful in scaling up." ~ Randy Lambert "When a firm's data is clean, structured, and fully integrated, technology stops being a barrier. It starts to become an enabler." ~ Randy Lambert Links  Randy Lambert on LinkedIn Intention.ly Orion Advisor Solutions Eric Clarke Kelly Waltrich Tina Powell Joe Steuter Doug Fritz Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Ryan VanGorder, CEO at Opto Investments, about revolutionizing private markets for wealth managers. Ryan highlights how Opto's technology simplifies complex private market strategies, helping advisors deliver tailored, scalable solutions to their clients. They discuss the shift from institutional to retail access in private investments and the importance of guided intelligence, customization, and automation. Ryan also shares his passion for adventure racing, drawing parallels between endurance sports and business, emphasizing discipline, adaptability, and teamwork as core values shaping Opto's culture and approach to client success. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:18) - Exploring Opto's mission and purpose (02:09) - Ryan's career journey and the founding of Opto Investments (06:33) - Building a business in the retail marketplace (11:14) - Transitioning from institutional to retail private markets (13:32) - Opto's approach to full portfolio analysis (17:35) - Future trends and innovations shaping private markets (18:48) - Ryan's key takeaways (20:13) - Ryan's passion for adventure racing and interests outside of work Quotes "At Opto, we're engineering the future of private markets with a focus on client outcomes and driving capital to the best ideas." ~ Ryan VanGorder "Opto is built and backed by operators who understand the potential in the private markets, not by AUM-focused mega funds or product pushers." ~ Ryan VanGorder "The winners in our space, particularly our market, will heavily invest in technology-based solutions and solving for transparency, scale efficiency, and flexibility. And you're going to do all that while delivering on your client's demands." ~ Ryan VanGorder Links  Ryan VanGorder on LinkedIn Opto Investments BlackRock Joe Lonsdale Addepar Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, Jack Sharry is joined by Ryan Eisenman, Co-Founder and CEO of Arch—a platform built to streamline and standardize private investment operations. With a strong background in private markets, Ryan shares how Arch is leveraging technology to make alternative investing more secure, efficient, and accessible. Ryan breaks down the key trends fueling mainstream adoption and explains how Arch is helping family offices, RIAs, and institutional investors overcome the operational hurdles that come with managing alts. He also shares his perspective on where the market is headed—and how platforms like Arch are unlocking access to a broader range of investors In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:13) – What Arch does and who it serves (03:29) – Ryan's journey: from Wall Street to startup founder (05:29) – Why alternative investments are booming (11:10) – The story behind Arch's growth (12:26) – What's fueling Arch's momentum (17:42) – Building with feedback: how Arch develops its product (19:22) – What's next for Arch and the alts market (23:20) - Ryan's interests outside of work Quotes "We want to unlock the ability to make, manage, and track alternative investments without the pain people are used to when they do make those investments." ~ Ryan Eisenman "To work at Arch, you have to love clients and love learning. We want to be doing this for decades, and the way you do this for decades is you invest in customers because customers can be the best advocates for you." ~ Ryan Eisenman "We're continuing to build the operations management automation tools that help people scale their alts businesses. And we're doing it increasingly in partnership with larger firms to support their offerings." ~ Ryan Eisenman Links  Ryan Eisenman on LinkedIn Arch Fidelity Investments Goldman Sachs Morgan Stanley Charles Schwab Carta Stripes SpaceX Blackstone KKR Sequoia Capital SEI iCapital Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, Jack Sharry talks with Brooke Elliott, Dean of Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Brooke leads the college in developing a compelling, strategic vision while continuing to build upon its distinctive brand and identity. They discuss how the college empowers future leaders through transformative education, research, and innovation. Brooke shares how their purpose-driven approach is embedded in the curriculum, the impact of technology and AI in shaping this mission, and how experiential learning bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world opportunities. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (02:27) - Helping students discover their purpose (07:59) - Insights from students and alumni (09:25) - Inside the Gies College online program (11:41) - Lessons from teaching online (16:27) - AI's role in the future of education (19:55) - Will avatars replace faculty? (22:19) - The power of authenticity in teaching (24:42) - What it means to prioritize learners (26:43) - Brooke's interests outside of work Quotes "We want to create amazing leaders who move into business and really have an impact on their community, their state, and their nation." ~ Brooke Elliott "We really believe in expanding access to high-quality education. We serve individuals from all types of different backgrounds. And so, it's diversity in its very broadest sense." ~ Brooke Elliott "Our online programs were intentionally designed to be online. We did not take an existing program and move it to a remote environment. We started a new one and knew that we were going to offer these programs online and serve learners all around the world. And so, every single design choice was made with intention." ~ Brooke Elliott  "Education is still the greatest investment an individual can make in themselves and an organization can make in their employee." ~ Brooke Elliott Links  Brooke Elliott on LinkedIn Gies College of Business Aaron Schumm Vestwell Frances Frei Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Steven Miyao, an Executive Coach at Coaching Metta. Steven equips executives, entrepreneurs, and startups with the skills, strategies, and mindset needed for sustainable success. He helps professionals navigate career transitions, balance family and personal goals, and discover lasting fulfillment. Jack and Steven explore the challenges and opportunities of midlife career transitions, offering insights on how leaders can redefine their purpose and direction. Steven shares his coaching philosophy, the crucial role of understanding one's ‘why' before making a career shift, and how he helps financial services executives build a fulfilling second act in their careers In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:15) - What is Coaching Metta? (02:24) - Steven's career journey (06:15) - Steven's nontraditional path to financial services (08:19) - Why Steven shifted to healthcare (11:52) - Steven's coaching practice and the challenges his clients face (13:19) - Helping clients redefine their purpose (17:30) - Steven's coaching process (22:31) - The importance of authenticity in building trust (24:19) - Steven's key takeaways (25:30) - Steven's interests outside of work Quotes "The older I get, it's more important for me to see other people succeed than myself. It's just so gratifying when you see the impact that you have on others." ~ Steven Miyao "Most people are stuck in the hamster wheel, and they're running and running, but they don't even know why they're running. Oftentimes, it's because of the expectations that they have on themselves. But these expectations are often driven by society, their parents, or their peers." ~ Steven Miyao "A lot of us are going through this midlife. Whenever that point comes where you say to yourself, 'Is this really it?', it's important to take a break and really think about what you want to do, identify your ‘why', and then pivot if you need to." ~ Steven Miyao Links  Steven Miyao on LinkedIn Steven Miyao Vanguard Fidelity Investments Capital Group McKinsey & Company Morgan Stanley Goldman Sachs Frances Frei Midlife Remix Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Edward Jones is redefining what it means to provide personalized advice. The firm is creating a signature experience where personalized service is not a luxury but an expectation and where the best financial advisors have the tools, capabilities, and technology needed to provide a seamless, sophisticated, and impactful advisory experience. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Russ Tipper, General Partner at Edward Jones. Russ leads more than 300 professionals across North America and drives the firm's advisory offerings, including SMAs and UMAs, alternatives, retirement products, and more. Jack and Russ discuss how Edward Jones is doubling down on comprehensive, personalized financial planning, moving beyond point-in-time solutions to ongoing advice. Russ also talks about how the company strategically expands its product offerings, including alternative assets and retirement products, as well as its signature experience and future developments. In this episode: [01:12] - Russ' role at Edward Jones [03:02] - Edward Jones's strategic ambition [05:04] - Personalization at scale [12:24] - Edward Jones' investment in alternative assets [15:19] - Edward Jones' signature experience [19:18] - Future developments and AI integration [22:06] - Russ' career journey [26:04] - Russ' key takeaways [27:13] - Russ's interests outside of work Quotes "We want to help make our clients' needs, wants, and wishes a reality." ~ Russell Tipper  "Our goal is to help our clients move into an advisory perspective and never be stuck in a brokerage account or a legacy model where they can't move because of friction." ~ Russell Tipper "We want to be a highly curated shelf, but we want to offer a choice. The last thing I want to do is for a client to leave their great financial advisor because of a lack of access to a product that would improve their outcome." ~ Russell Tipper Links  Russell Tipper on LinkedIn Edward Jones MoneyGuidePro Envestnet Aladdin by BlackRock  J.P. Morgan Porch Software Capital Group Merrill Lynch Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Doug Fritz, Founder & Executive Chairman of F2 Strategy. A seasoned veteran in the wealth management industry, Doug leads a team of experts at F2 Strategy and is a highly sought-after strategist, helping growth-focused advisory firms make informed decisions about their technology and client experience. Jack and Doug discuss the confluence of marketing and technology in the wealth management industry. Doug talks about true innovation and how firms can implement meaningful technology and marketing solutions that deliver real value to advisors. He also discusses F2 Strategy's expansion and acquisitions, AI-powered efficiencies, and the rise of Wealth as a Service (WaaS) in wealth management. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:36) - Update on F2's recent expansion (03:37) - The confluence of marketing and technology in wealth management (06:27) - Aligning technology with business goals (09:26) - How F2 helps firms with tech and marketing (13:56) - The challenges of being a strategy partner (17:54) - Mitigating risk and ensuring successful technology implementation (19:49) - How F3 defines innovation (21:42) - Wealth as a Service (WaaS) (26:30) - Organic growth and its relationship to Wealth as a Service (29:32) - Doug's interest outside of work Quotes "We're built to be like an advisor would be. We're going to help you build a portfolio of technology, and then we're going to be with you forever as your partner in the execution and implementation of that when you need us." ~ Doug Fritz "It's fun to be helpful to great brands and great people that we work with in new ways and go deeper. Those relationships are everything to us, and they mean the world to us." ~ Doug Fritz "Innovation means getting it done. It isn't about theoretically picking a vendor that's innovative. It's actually getting it done and getting it into production." ~ Doug Fritz Links  Doug Fritz on LinkedIn F2 Strategy SEI Fidelity Investments BlackRock State Street Global Advisors Franklin Templeton Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

The shift from pensions to 401(k)s, paired with uncertainty around Social Security, has left many retirees with less income and at risk of outliving their savings. Allianz, in partnership with Empower, is taking the challenge head-on. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Matthew Gray, Vice President of Employer Markets at Allianz Life. Matt is responsible for the company's employer markets and defined contribution business. He oversees all aspects of the company's strategy, distribution, marketing, product development, and more. Jack and Matthew discuss the convergence of workplace and wealth, how 401(k) plans evolve to offer better financial guidance, and how Allianz makes guaranteed lifetime income simple and accessible. Matthew also shares the challenges of retirement planning and how Allianz addresses the growing concern of retirees making less of their income and outliving their savings. In this episode: [01:30] - Matthew's role at Allianz Life [03:08] - How Allianz and Empower revolutionize retirement security [04:49] - Key trends shaping the future of defined contribution plans [09:13] - Allianz's guaranteed income solution [16:35] - The future of guaranteed income solutions [18:10] - The good news about lifetime income solutions [19:25] - Matthew's interests outside of work Quotes "Retirement is about generating more income and generating that income for longer. Unfortunately, the trends from moving from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans, combined with challenges with social security, all point to maybe people getting less or not getting it for as long." ~ Matthew Gray "Our objective is to make guaranteed lifetime income more accessible and inclusive for a larger number of Americans who really depend on what they can generate from their employer-sponsored plan." ~ Matthew Gray "Lifetime income solutions aren't coming sometime in the future. They're already here. They're already in plans helping people and are available for sponsors and advisors who want to help their participants better prepare for retirement." ~ Matthew Gray Links  Mathew Gray on LinkedIn Allianz Life Empower Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Jan Buchsbaum, Chief Product Officer, and Mark Fitzgerald, National Sales Manager at Nassau Financial Group. They discuss the integration of annuities and social security planning in creating guaranteed retirement income and Nassau's product development and solution design. From simplifying complex financial products and processes to a streamlined user experience and smart approach to partnerships and distribution, Jan and Mark explore Nassau's impressive growth trajectory and discuss the key elements driving their success. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:28) - Overview of Nassau Financial Group (02:54) - Nassau's sales strength, growth, and momentum (06:29) - Nassau's process for developing products (09:22) - A collaborative approach to product development (14:40) - Integrating annuities and social security planning (20:26) - Educating clients and advisors on the value of annuities (27:52) - Uncovering additional assets through social security optimization Quotes "We are hyper-focused on providing solutions for our partners and consumers that matter and enhance their lives. And we are constantly always trying to figure out how we can be better." ~ Jan Buchsbaum "If you're having a conversation around social security, you're helping that individual maximize their lifetime income." ~ Mark Fitzgerald Links  Jan Buchsbaum on LinkedIn Mark Fitzgerald on LinkedIn Nassau Financial Group Phil Gass Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Disclosure Nassau Life and Annuity Company, the Nassau Income Accelerator Annuity and the Nassau Flex-Forward Income Benefit rider are NOT connected with, recommended, or endorsed by any governmental program, agency, or entity, including the Social Security Administration. All social security and annuity income payment examples are for educational and illustrative purposes only. Individual results will vary. This information is not meant to provide investment, tax or financial planning advice. Nassau does not provide individual tax, financial or investment advice or act as a fiduciary in the sale or service of insurance contracts. Please consult your personal tax or financial advisor for assistance. Fixed annuities are insurance contracts and do not provide ownership of any stocks, bonds, index funds, or other securities. These products are not FDIC or NCUAA Insured and there are no Bank or Credit Union Guarantees. Lifetime payments and other contract guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. These annuities offer a Fixed Account and a variety of Indexed Accounts. The Fixed Account earns a specified rate of interest that is no less than 0 to 3% depending on the state and product. Contract growth is not guaranteed. Fees and restrictions apply. Withdrawals may be subject to charges, pro-rated fees and adjustments. Withdrawals (including income payments) are subject to ordinary income tax, and if taken prior to age 59½, a 10% IRS penalty may also apply. Please review the applicable product and rider disclosures for more information. Nassau Income Accelerator is a single premium deferred fixed indexed annuity issued on contract form 19FIA, ICC19EIAN, or 19ISN. This annuity is issued by Nassau Life and Annuity Company, Hartford, Connecticut, a subsidiary of Nassau Financial Group. In California, Nassau Life and Annuity Company does business as "Nassau Life and Annuity Insurance Company." Nassau Life and Annuity Company is not authorized to do business in Maine and New York. BPD42072

Many women and next-generation investors have struggled to find advisors who truly understand them. Finding the right fit, getting clear information, and building confidence to manage finances effectively are real challenges. However, the old-school client-advisor dynamic is changing, creating an era in which genuine human connections matter just as much as portfolio performance. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Lacy Garcia, Founder and CEO of Willow. Lacy is a former financial services marketer turned financial advisor. She has spent her career at the intersection of financial services, women empowerment, and education. Lacy is passionate about helping advisors better serve women and the next generation of investors. Lacy talks with Jack about how advisors can better serve women and next-generation investors. She discusses the importance of empathy, education, and empowerment and how the company's certificate programs empower advisors to meet clients' evolving needs. Lacy also shares her journey from educator and coach to a financial advisor and entrepreneur, highlighting how her experiences of feeling like an outsider in the financial world inspired Willow's creation.  In this episode: [01:10] - Lacey's background and career [03:22] - Turning challenges into opportunities [05:40] - Willow's E3 model: empathy, education, and empowerment [10:08] - Creating a business that helps women and next-generation investors [13:54] - Willow's certificate programs [19:54] - How Willow empowers women and next-gen investors [26:01] - Lacy's key takeaways [26:43] - Lacy's interest outside of work Quotes "I felt the challenge that so many women and so many next-gen clients and investors feel in terms of finding the right financial advisor and getting the information, the education, and the confidence they need to take control of their finances." ~ Lacy Garcia "The client-advisor model is changing. Its demographic and wealth transfer shifts are ushering in a new era where it's equal parts investment and human understanding." ~ Lacy Garcia "Women want to be advisor-dependent, and they are loyal. And if you care about them and you do a good job, then they're going to tell their friends and their family, and they're going to recommend you." ~ Lacy Garcia Links  Lacy Garcia on LinkedIn Trust Willow Jason Aronson Ivan Mitrovic Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Retirement is no longer viewed as a single event marking the end of one's career, but rather as a chapter with multiple phases and possibilities. This shift has led advisors to rethink their approach to retirement planning, with a focus on balancing financial strategies, healthcare needs, and lifestyle choices. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Ken Dychtwald, Founder and CEO of Age Wave. For 45+ years, Ken has been a leading visionary and original thinker regarding the lifestyle, marketing, health care, economic, and workforce implications of the age wave. Ken is a psychologist, gerontologist, and best-selling author of 19 books on aging-related issues. Jack and Ken discuss the changes brought about by increased longevity and the aging population in the financial services industry. From financial readiness to the evolving role of financial advisors, Ken explores what it means to live longer, healthier, and more purpose-driven lives. In this episode: [01:26] - Meet Ken Dychtwald [02:29] - Why people are rethinking their retirement plans [07:00] - How longevity has redefined retirement  [11:15] - The importance of mentors and mentorship [14:19] - The changing role of financial advisors  [19:04] - The need for advisors to be more holistic [21:56] - A shift from accumulation to decumulation strategies [25:29] - Ken's key takeaways [28;43] - Ken's interests outside of work Quotes [07:43] - "Aging isn't what it used to be. More and more people today are realizing that they don't want to live a longer life just to be old longer. They want a more cyclic life. People increasingly refer to this new chapter of their lives as a time of freedom, not a time to decline." ~ Ken Dychtwald [20:45] - "This age wave and this longevity revolution don't just mean that there'll be more older adults, but a new generation of older adults. These boomers are really demanding and want to be listened to and asked questions." ~ Ken Dychtwald [25:04] - "The entire population needs to be better oriented towards the financial considerations of 'How do I live long, how do I live well, and how do I make sure my wealth span matches my lifespan?'” ~ Ken Dychtwald  Links  Ken Dychtwald on LinkedIn Age Wave Chip Conley John Thiel Edward Jones The John A. Hartford Foundation Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

The RIA industry is experiencing massive consolidation, driving demand for integrated solutions that unify technology, investment management, and professional services. With its extensive back-office expertise, technology, and investment solutions, SEI is well-positioned to meet this growing need.  In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Michael Lane, EVP and Head of Asset Management at SEI. Michael is responsible for the business and growth strategy of SEI's advisor and institutional businesses in North America and for leading the firm's investment management teams globally.  Michael shares his career journey and why he joined SEI. He discusses the macro trends in the wealth management industry, SEI's unique position in the market, and its vast and often misunderstood capabilities. Michael also shares the exciting opportunities to bring together SEI's many capabilities and make them more visible to the market. In this episode: [02:26] - Michael's career journey [05:46] - Why Michael joined SEI [09:27] - SEI's unique positioning and capabilities [13:45] - How SEI fills the gap in the wealth management marketplace [19:34] - How SEI coordinates tax and asset location across multiple accounts  [23:26] - SEI's long-term goals [27:09] - Michael's key takeaways [28:16] - Michael's interests outside of work Quotes “ What gets me super excited is how we start thinking about the ‘what ifs', documenting those ‘what ifs', figuring out what we can actually do over the next 6, 12, 18, 24 months, and then bringing that story out into the marketplace.” ~ Michael Lane “As you look around the marketplace, there are very few providers that exist out there that can do as many things as SEI can do.” ~ Michael Lane "Whatever you thought SEI was, probably isn't what it is. I hope we have an opportunity to spend a lot more time with the advisor and institutional community to help them better understand who we really are." ~ Michael Lane Links  Michael Lane on LinkedIn SEI Mercer Advisors Dimensional Fund Advisors BlackRock Ryan Hicke Morgan Stanley Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

At its root, marketing is about storytelling. As markets shift and client needs evolve, Franklin Templeton creates narratives that remain relevant and align with the firm's core mission. Listening to the market, using technology like AI, and collaborating across teams allows the company to maintain its relevance while staying true to its core values. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Jennifer Ball, Chief Marketing Officer at Franklin Templeton. Jennifer is responsible for developing and implementing a global B2B marketing strategy, driving change, and defining positioning and messaging. She is also accountable for client experience across Franklin Templeton's US retail, private wealth, retirement, insurance, and institutional businesses. Jennifer is passionate about insight-driven marketing through analytics and powerful content marketing. Jennifer talks about how Franklin Templeton creates and delivers narratives across the globe. She shares how the company uses advanced listening tools, social media, and AI to personalize messaging. Jennifer also highlights the importance of aligning internal voices, tailoring messages to diverse markets, and promoting collaboration in crafting cohesive and impactful narratives. In this episode: [02:05] - Franklin Templeton's acquisitions and strategic direction [03:36] - The challenge of positioning and messaging for global audiences [06:41] - Franklin Templeton's take on narrative economics [13:26] - Launching new narratives and using social media [16:22] - Franklin Templeton's social media strategy [19:25] - Franklin Templeton's process for developing narratives [22:59] - Jennifer's key takeaways [24:30] - Jennifer's interests outside of work Quotes [11:32] - "As things change with your clients and the market, you can evolve your narratives to make sure they stay relevant and still support your overall mission and ambition for the company." ~ Jennifer Ball [19:27] - "The whole process of listening to our internal employees, our clients, and our competition is absolutely the foundation of our work and what felt true to us in terms of where we're trying to go." ~ Jennifer Ball [23:31] - "We all have to figure out how to use AI to transform our business. We're at an inflection point right now, and AI can play a huge role in personalizing storytelling." ~ Jennifer Ball Links  Jennifer Ball on LinkedIn Franklin Templeton Jenny Johnson Microsoft John Connors Boathouse, Inc. Robert Shiller John Thiel Merrill Lynch Narrative Economics Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Franklin Templeton has been a client of SEI LifeYield since 2014.

UMH is changing the world of wealth management, helping clients earn more and keep more through tax-smart, multi-account coordination. Many advisory firms recognize the benefits of UMH but often face challenges with its adoption. Having access to the right tools and technology solutions, however, best positions firms and advisors to increase assets under management. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Scott Smith, Director of Advice Relationships at Cerulli Associates and member of the CFP Board's Digital Advice Working Group. Scott has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and leads Cerulli's research on investor behavior and advisory relationships. His research helps clients understand how to optimize their platforms. Jack and Scott discuss UMH, its core elements, and how it revolutionizes financial advisory services. Scott also unpacks his findings on UMH adoption, the challenges advisors face in its implementation, and the innovative solutions paving the way forward. In this episode: [02:05] - Implementing UMH [04:58] - The core elements of UMH [07:19] - Research methodology and findings on UMH adoption [13:09] - Asset location and its complexities [16:02] - Identifying and addressing barriers to UMH implementation [19:44] - The growing demand for retirement income solutions [23:02] - The future of asset location and income generation [25:31] - Scott's key takeaways [28:32] - Scott's interests outside of work Quotes [14:25] - "People are just getting overwhelmed by the number of accounts they have and the number of passwords they have. Anything we can do to make a client's life easier, bring those things together, and not have them worry about is a compelling story." ~ Scott Smith [25:43] - "Every tax optimization strategy is great, but it only matters if advisors use it. So, lack of adoption is the barrier to real impact." ~ Scott Smith [26:14] - "It (tax optimization strategy) has to be easy to understand. It has to be easier for advisors to use than what they're doing right now. And it has to be easy to explain the benefits to clients." ~ Scott Smith Links  Scott Smith on LinkedIn Cerulli Associates 55ip EY Vanguard Morningstar Envestnet Morgan Stanley Fidelity Investments Charles Schwab Kismet Improv Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Adam Holt, CEO and Founder of Asset-Map. Adam was a financial planner frustrated by financial planning. The long, research-packed reports he prepared for client meetings didn't engage clients or provide clarity. Adam realized that to serve clients better, he needed to help them focus on what matters most, making good financial decisions so they could reach their goals. This mindset led him to found Asset-Map. Adam discusses how visualizing goals drives meaningful financial actions. He also highlights how financial advisors can prepare for major shifts in wealth transfer and client expectations in a tech-enabled era. From the great wealth transfer to the importance of engaging multi-generational households, Adam sheds light on how tools like Asset-Map can help advisors deepen client relationships and simplify financial planning. In this episode: [01:12] - Adam's background and the inspiration behind Asset-Map [05:03] - How Asset-Map works [08:21] - How Asset-Map integrates with other financial planning tools [13:00] - The role of AI in financial planning [16:32] - The great wealth transfer [19:34] - Asset-Map's global adoption [20:57] - Adam's key takeaways [22:05] - Adam's interests outside of work Quotes [03:47] - "There are a lot of people that have created a significant amount of success. They weren't worried about whether they could meet their retirement goals. They worried about the complexity." ~ Adam Holt [05:27] - "When you think about financial decisions, what's the most important thing? It's not the finances. It's the people." ~ Adam Holt [14:23] - "Advisors who start to adopt these tools (technology and AI) and find ways to deliver more of themselves to their customers are going to dominate and gather more assets. They're going to scale, they might have margin compression, and they're going to win long-term." ~ Adam Holt Links  Adam Holt on LinkedIn Asset-Map eMoney Advisor MoneyGuidePro Morningstar YCharts Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, WealthTech on Deck producer Matt Nollman takes over hosting duties to interview Jack Sharry about the podcast's standout moments of 2024. They discuss the evolution and future of UMH, including the transformative impact of LifeYield's recent acquisition by SEI. Jack highlights pivotal industry conversations with leaders advancing UMH capabilities, explores strategies for overcoming implementation challenges, and emphasizes the importance of innovation for financial advisors and firms. Jack also shares key career advice that has shaped his professional journey. In this episode: (00:19) - Year-end wrap-up and review (00:58) - The dawning of UMH (03:10) - Defining UMH and its importance (04:41) - Key elements of UMH (07:43) - UMA vs UMH (09:15) - Memorable episodes from 2024 (13:25) - AI, research, and the digital frontier (15:01) - Building multi-account UMH capabilities (19:05) - Career advice and closing thoughts Quotes “Through this acquisition, SEI will be the first in the industry to provide real-time, automated, unified managed household or UMH capabilities in a cost-effective, fully bundled overlay solution.” ~ Jack Sharry “The single biggest challenge we find is getting all the departments, all the silos to work together. And that is also why it is important to have a single executive sponsor or leader.” ~ Jack Sharry “Improving after-tax returns and income is inherently a multi-account exercise.” ~ Jack Sharry Links  SEI: https://www.seic.com  Morgan Stanley: https://www.morganstanley.com  MoneyGuide Pro: https://www.moneyguidepro.com  Tifin: https://tifin.com  Wells Fargo: https://www.wellsfargo.com  EY: https://www.ey.com  Franklin Templeton: https://www.franklintempleton.com  Matt Nollman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattnollman  Mark Hoffman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hoffman-16946359  Martin Cowley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martincowley  WealthTech in the Weeds with Charles Smith: https://wealthtechondeck.com/episodes/wealthtech-in-the-weeds-with-charles-smith  WealthTech in the Weeds with Rose Palazzo: https://wealthtechondeck.com/episodes/wealthtech-in-the-weeds-with-rose-palazzo-and-mark-hoffman  WealthTech in the Weeds with Jeff Benfield: https://wealthtechondeck.com/episodes/wealthtech-in-the-weeds-with-jeff-benfield-and-martin-cowley  WealthTech in the Weeds with Eric Lori: https://wealthtechondeck.com/episodes/wealthtech-in-the-weeds-with-eric-lordi-and-martin-cowley  WealthTech in the Weeds with Roger Paradiso: https://wealthtechondeck.com/episodes/wealthtech-in-the-weeds-with-roger-paradiso  The Evolution and Resurgence of SEI with Ryan Hicke and Sean Denham: https://wealthtechondeck.com/episodes/the-evolution-and-resurgence-of-sei-with-ryan-hicke-and-sean-denham  The Age of the New Wealth Portfolio with Erich Holland: https://wealthtechondeck.com/episodes/the-age-of-the-new-wealth-portfolio-with-erich-holland  Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI in Asset and Wealth Management with Amy Young: https://wealthtechondeck.com/episodes/unlocking-the-potential-of-generative-ai-in-asset-and-wealth-management-with-amy-young  Unlocking AI's Potential in Wealth Management with Rob Pettman: https://wealthtechondeck.com/episodes/unlocking-ais-potential-in-wealth-management-with-rob-pettman  WealthTech in the Weeds with Michael Liersch: https://wealthtechondeck.com/episodes/wealthtech-in-the-weeds-with-michael-liersch-and-harry-bartle  Scott Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-smith-148360  Financial Advisor Magazine: https://www.fa-mag.com  Frances Frei: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesfrei  Edward Jones: https://www.edwardjones.com  JP Morgan: https://www.jpmorgan.com  Merrill: https://www.ml.com  Harvard Business School: https://www.hbs.edu  Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

This week, Jack Sharry is joined by LifeYield co-founders Mark Hoffman and Paul Samuelson to discuss SEI's acquisition of LifeYield. They explore the strategic implications for LifeYield, the integration of multi-account management, and the potential benefits of Unified Managed Household for clients and the broader industry. They also discuss the comprehensive service capabilities the SEI-LifeYield partnership provides, focusing on improving financial outcomes through advanced tax optimization and holistic portfolio management.  In this episode: (01:18) - What LifeYield's acquisition means for the industry (02:24) - Understanding UMH (10:08) - The importance of tax alpha (15:29) - Product and capability enhancements (17:14) - Distribution and operational capabilities (21:30) - Final thoughts and acknowledgments Quotes “For LifeYield, [the aquisition] means unequivocal validation of the premise that my partners and I founded LifeYield to begin with—that only in managing an investor's coordinated accounts together can one provide the best outcome for those investors.” ~ Mark Hoffman “In order to have success, you need investment software and you need the whole support of onboarding accounts and connecting accounts to just be in the game at all. I can look back at the mistakes I've made, and if I'd had the right advisor equipped with what SEI-LifeYield is going to be equipped with, it would've been much better.” ~ Paul Samuelson Links  LifeYield SEI Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Growth isn't just about numbers. It's about driving change, creating meaningful connections, and making a purposeful impact. It comes from challenging the status quo and aligning with partners who understand the journey ahead. Whether championing innovation in the financial sector, cultivating a culture of resilience in businesses, or advocating for health, growth depends on clarity of purpose and bold, intentional steps. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Tina Powell, Partner & Chief of Community at Intention.ly. Tina is a trailblazer in the digital marketing industry, with more than 20 years of experience driving growth for financial services companies. They discuss community building, championing growth, and advocating for health. Tina shares her advocacy for health awareness following her battle with lung cancer, Intention.ly's approach to growth marketing, and how modern marketing strategies drive impactful growth.  In this episode: [01:52] - Tina's professional journey [05:04] - A life-changing diagnosis [10:17] - Tina's advocacy and life work [14:03] - How Tina's story inspires people and her team at Intention.ly [19:14] - Client success stories and strategies [28:50] - Tina's key takeaways [30:55] - Tina's interests outside of work Quotes [13:23] - "I see myself as a vehicle of service, a conduit of information. And if there's any way I can bridge the hope that's in my heart to the people who need it most, utilizing the tenets of modern marketing media to help provide hope and information to the people who need it most, then that's my legacy." ~Tina Powell [27:59] - "We are not afraid to challenge and to ask the tough questions. We already know what those questions should be. And it's coming from a place of service to the FinTech platforms and the FinTech leaders we serve." ~ Tina Powell [30:11] - "Don't continue doing the same thing because it will just get you the same results. Align yourself with people who truly understand where you want to go." – Tina Powell Links  Tina Powell on LinkedIn Intention.ly Kelly Waltrich Princeton Longevity Center The Healthy Advisor Podcast Penn Medicine Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine Gateway Financial Partners David Wood Melissa Thomas Joe Steuter Kyle Hiatt Randy Lambert eMoney Advisor Orion Advisor Solutions Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

For decades, financial planning has focused on individuals and families, often overlooking the unique needs of business owners. However, the need for expert financial advice has become more significant as boomers become more involved in business and the trend toward private company ownership grows. Recognizing this demand, RISR seeks innovative solutions to empower business owners and the financial advisors who serve them. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Jason Early, Founder of RISR. They discuss how RISR empowers and deepens the relationships between business owners and financial advisors. They explore how the company provides a comprehensive solution for business owners and uses technology and human advice to enhance the advisor-client relationship. In this episode: [00:52] - Introduction to RISR and its mission [03:25] - How RISR helps advisors  [05:17] - Understanding a business' dream value [08:12] - Empowering advisors to become trusted advisors [09:33] - How RISR impacts the financial industry [12:04] - What inspired Jason to build RISR [13:23] - The convergence of technology and human advice [17:07] - Providing financial advice for business owners [19:31] - Jason's key takeaways Quotes [01:01] - "We've got this deep-seated belief that owners of private companies need better advice and that the advisors who serve them need better tools and technology." ~ Jason Early [13:06] - "For decades, advisors have had the tools and technology to serve the executive, the family, or the household, but the business is largely ignored." ~ Jason Early [14:31] - "Business owners are complex, and they have complex issues and challenges, so there are a lot of problems to solve. We want to surround every conversation the advisors have with the business owner so that the owner can make more informed decisions and exit the way they want to." ~ Jason Early Links  Jason Early on LinkedIn RISR Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

The shift towards private ownership and alternative assets presents opportunities for investors and advisors. However, operational efficiency, including data accessibility, streamlining operations, and automating processes, often burdens advisors when navigating this space. Having innovative solutions and a team specializing in private markets and alternative investments makes it easier for advisors to create and manage these assets with speed and scale. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Steve Zuschin, Chief Revenue Officer at Mammoth Technology, about the growing interest in private markets and alternative investments. Steve explores the challenges advisors and firms face in navigating the complexities of these investments, including operational hurdles, data management, and client experience. He also shares insights on how to streamline processes, leverage technology, and position firms as leaders in the private market space. In this episode: [01:27] - Steve's background and role in the industry [03:51] - Key issues in the advice-tech marketplace [06:48] - The operational challenges of private investment  [09:39] - Growing interest in private markets [12:17] - Factors driving the shift toward private ownership [15:18] - How Mammoth Technology helps advisors manage alternatives [17:48] - The future of wealth management and private markets [20:01] - Steve's key takeaways [21:14] - Steve's interests outside of work Quotes [11:15] - "At large, our economy is becoming privately held. To diversify these investments, we have to access them in private markets." ~ Steve Zuschin [16:44] - "We really want to remove that burden from the operations team and create a better experience for the field of advisors to learn about new deals that are available to them, that their compliance team and due diligence have gone through, as well as a standardized transaction process for them to go through on behalf of the clients." ~ Steve Zuschin [20:42] - "If you don't have a team in place that's looking at the innovations around private markets, try and get someone, whether it's a consultant or somebody else who's out there looking at the markets. Because whether you're curious or interested in making these deals for your clients, if you're working with high-net-worth clients, they're going to make these deals with or without you." ~ Steve Zuschin Links  Steve Zuschin on LinkedIn Northwestern Mutual Mammoth Technology iCapital SEI Mongol Ecology Center Rally for Rangers Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Taxes are a major concern for both investors and advisors. As such, minimizing tax liability is a priority in wealth management. Asset location, a strategy that places assets in the most tax-efficient accounts, can significantly enhance a portfolio's overall efficiency. While this approach can be a multi-account exercise, having a modern portfolio management system equipped with tax-smart technology can streamline this process and effectively coordinate unified managed household accounts. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with LifeYield's Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Paul Samuelson, and CEO, Chairman, and Founder Mark Hoffman. Paul has written algorithms that power investment software for more than four decades. He's spent the past 16+ years devising algorithms around minimizing taxes and maximizing retirement income, all part of a robust asset location process. Mark turns Paul's algorithms into industrial-strength software used by many of the largest financial institutions in the world. They discuss asset location and tax-smart strategies to minimize tax liabilities and maximize retirement income. In this episode: [01:46] - Asset location explained [03:05] - The evolution of holistic wealth management [04:36] - What inspired Paul to help advisors produce better outcomes [08:00] - Harnessing the potential of asset location [11:50] - LifeYield's capacity to scale and operationalize asset location  [14:08] - The difference between single-account and multi-account tax-loss harvesting [15:44] - The benefits of modern portfolio management systems [17:29] - The model portfolio in wealth management [18:50] - The importance of asset location to boomers [22:35] - Key takeaways and final thoughts Quotes [04:08] - "Financial planning systems are one good way to look at multiple accounts. And then, to have the financial plan implemented, you really need to consider asset location." ~ Mark Hoffman [06:56] - "Certain assets are likely to be more tax-inefficient, but they don't always land the way you would expect. So, for investors who happen to hold low turnover stock portfolios, you can effectively have quite tax-efficient equity investing as long as you're willing to pay great attention to sales of stock." ~ Paul Samuelson [22:57] - "Asset location, placing the most tax-efficient assets in your taxable accounts and the least tax-efficient assets in the qualified accounts, raises the after-tax return of your portfolio. That means you'll get more balance, which can create more income. Asset location is the dominant form of tax alpha you'll get." ~ Mark Hoffman [23:50] - "The real opportunity in looking at all the household assets is that you're going to be able to pick up some of the client accounts that have been unmanaged or very poorly managed. It's an opportunity for the advisors and a real service to the clients." ~ Paul Samuelson Links  Mark Hoffman on LinkedIn Paul Samuelson on LinkedIn Investment and Wealth Institute Envestnet EY Morningstar Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with SEI's CEO, Ryan Hicke, and CFO, Sean Denham, about SEI's strategy and vision for the future. Ryan, who has been with SEI for 26 years, discusses the company's renewed focus on innovation, re-engagement with the market, and the importance of client experience. He highlights three major trends SEI is focusing on: alternatives, industry consolidation, and digital assets. Sean, new to SEI, talks about his transition from public accounting to his role as CFO and his focus on growth. He stresses the importance of using data to educate clients and drive business decisions. Sean also touches on SEI's unique market position, combining technology, operations, and asset management. In this episode: (02:54) - SEI's market engagement and internal culture (05:19) - Trends and innovations in wealth management (08:10) - Building a winning team at SEI (10:17) - SEI's future vision and market positioning (13:51) - Challenges and opportunities in the financial industry (20:25) - Sean Denham's journey to SEI (22:36) - Growth mindset and strategies (26:56) - Leveraging data for market education (34:10) - Tax efficiency and future plans​ Quotes “If you believe that talent is going to win the day, you can't just focus internally. There's arrogance if we think we have all the answers ourselves. I think if we can truly create a diverse team, both in terms of experience and perspective, we won't end up with group think.” ~ Ryan Hicke “People ask me a lot how I measure engagement at SEI. And I sincerely answer, by how many people walk the halls with a smile on their face.” ~ Ryan Hicke “When I think opportunity, it's not just earnings per share opportunity, it's really growth. The opportunity to really maximize, to become more efficient as an organization. That's what I'm really focused on—top-line revenue growth, optimizing the business, and really that return to investors.” ~ Sean Denham “No one in today's society wants to be sold to. They want to be educated. So how do we use data? How do we craft storytelling around that to go educate the market? Not just with us, but also our competitors. That's the opportunity sitting in front of us.” ~ Sean Denham Links  SEI Ryan Hicke on LinkedIn Sean Denham on LinkedIn BlackRock LifeYield Grant Thornton Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Public relations is an integral part of any marketing strategy. It plays an important role in enhancing credibility and driving business growth. Successful PR firms understand that building a reputation and lasting relationships with clients, stakeholders, and the media requires strategic thinking and planning. This week, Jack Sharry talks with StreetCred's Managing Partner, Jimmy Moock, and Marketing Manager, Elena Krasnow, about public relations and credibility marketing in financial services. They discuss the key elements of successful PR strategies, the value of authenticity and active listening in building connections, and StreetCred's partnership with Future Proof, the world's largest wealth festival.  In this episode: [01:21] - Jimmy's background and career path [07:30] - What brought Elena to StreetCred [10:41] - The Future Proof festival [12:43] - The relationship between authenticity and active listening [14:57] - The growth of Future Proof [16:51] - What makes Future Proof special [20:51] - Key factors for effective PR [24:40] - Final thoughts and key takeaways Quotes [20:59] - "We take our clients and the work that we do for them personally. We leave it all out on the field. We bleed for them." ~ Jimmy Moock [21:16] - "We believe that PR is a contact sport, meaning you need to be out on the field. Every one of us is doing every portion of client work because the minute we give that up is the minute our skills become rusty." ~ Jimmy Moock [22:03] - "Being authentic is so critical, and being unafraid to connect business goals and personal stories and share vulnerable moments is something we encourage our clients to do." ~ Elena Krasnow [22:29] - We all have money stories and ways money has shaped our belief systems. The more we bring those things and the human element to the surface, the more we can really drive success." ~ Elena Krasnow Links  Jimmy Moock on LinkedIn Elena Krasnow on LinkedIn StreetCred PR Brian Hamburger Jason Lahita William Ruben Future Proof Frances Frei 2024 MMI Annual Conference Matt Middleton Emma Smith Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

WealthTech in the Weeds is a series covering the broad yet critical path to financial services. The goal is to get together with industry experts and get into the details of building an effective, productive, coordinated, and comprehensive advice system. Comprehensive advice platforms have been a significant development in wealth management. They streamline portfolio management, optimize returns, and enhance investors' financial efficiency. However, implementing these platforms has its challenges. As technology continues to reshape the industry, the lessons and experiences learned from early adopters provide invaluable insights that significantly impact the industry's future and empower investors to achieve their financial goals. In this episode, Jack is joined by Eric Lordi and Martin Cowley. Eric is the Managing Director at J.P. Morgan and has extensive experience in wealth and asset management. He builds modern wealth management systems that deliver better client outcomes and embraces goals-based investing. Martin is the Chief Product Officer at LifeYield and has more than 14 years of experience building comprehensive wealth management platforms. In his role, Martin oversees product strategy for portfolio rebalancing, tax optimization, and retirement income, using LifeYield's API-first product suite to address a wide range of client needs. Martin has worked with numerous firms to help them integrate and optimize their systems for improved user experience and financial outcomes. Eric and Martin talk with Jack about the challenges, benefits, and lessons learned from building comprehensive advice platforms. They dive into the importance of multi-account management, asset location, and tax optimization in improving clients' financial outcomes. The conversation also touches on the operational aspects of implementing these platforms and the need for integration and coordination across different systems.  In this episode: [02:25] -The challenges and goals of building a modern wealth management system. [04:27] - Lessons Martin learned during the early days of LifeYield. [06:17] - The dynamics of multi-account management. [09:22] - How LifeYield coordinates and optimizes multiple accounts. [12:50] - Asset location and its importance in generating tax efficiency. [15:55] - How asset location adds tax efficiency across different account programs. [20:05] - The operational challenges of implementing asset location. [22:20] - The three types of withdrawals and how they need to operate. [29:22] - The purpose of tax management systems. Quotes [02:54] - "We're currently in a world where lots of products and programs have been built vertically over time. How do you start to think horizontally from an advisor standpoint? The biggest mental shift is just moving from an account-based structure to a relationship-based one." ~ Eric Lordi [10:17] - "Coordinating isn't just about getting the sum of the parts and then working with them. It's about recognizing that some parts fit together better than others." ~ Martin Cowley [14:08] - "Tax management isn't just tax slots. It's the location and having a machine that is not dependent on underlying trading systems but looks across all these things as holdings that we can score anywhere." ~ Eric Lordi [30:47] - "Everything we've done has to be flexible because we are looking across multiple companies and client firms. It doesn't have to all be stitched tightly on day one. Those walls aren't going to break down overnight. So, we're building little tunnels between the silos." ~ Martin Cowley Links  Eric Lordi on LinkedIn Martin Cowley on LinkedIn J.P. Morgan Private Bank Morgan Stanley 55ip Envestnet Vanguard  Morningstar Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

WealthTech in the Weeds is a series in which we talk to industry experts about the details of building an effective, productive, coordinated, and comprehensive advice system. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with Ted Dimig, Global Head of Wealth Management Advisory Solutions at J.P. Morgan, and Mark Hoffman, CEO, Chairman & Founder at LifeYield. They discuss trends like tax optimization and the role of modern technology in enhancing advisory practices. They explore the challenges and strategies involved in operationalizing these innovations, emphasizing the necessity of embracing technology to improve client outcomes. They also touch on advisor adoption, the benefits of models-based practices, and the industry's trajectory toward increasingly personalized financial services. In this episode: [02:05] - Major trends in asset management [03:56] - Ted's role in fintech [06:11] - The importance of tax optimization in the investment ecosystem  [09:29] - Ted's operational approach to tax management [11:41] - How LifeYield helps clients manage their taxes [13:51] - Why tax matters to clients and advisors [16:31] - How firms can get started with tax management [20:43] - What drives advisors to adopt tax-smart technologies [25:15] - Ted's outlook on the future of wealth management [27:14] - Ted's key takeaways [28:23] - Ted's interests outside of work Quotes [02:22] - "The first big trend in asset management is the importance and the need to personalize investments. The more you can get a client's goals to match their investment solutions, the higher the probability that they're going to stick with their investments over the long run." ~ Ted Dimig [11:42] - "You want to build your ecosystem in a way that is easy to explain to the client. Being able to explain to them the savings and why you're doing certain things reduces the trading that you have to do." ~ Mark Hoffman [17:11] - "Technology allows you to be more holistic. It allows you to make all the connections and to do things right. And that frees up the advisor to have a conversation at the client's own level." ~ Mark Hoffman [26:06] - "You need to embrace technology if you want to be a winner in the personalization space, in the end-to-end client investment journey, and in the tax space. So those who don't adopt will be left behind." ~ Ted Dimig Links  Ted Dimig on LinkedIn Mark Hoffman on LinkedIn J.P. Morgan EY 55ip Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Leadership is more than titles and responsibilities. It involves building a winning culture—a culture that isn't just a tagline or value statement but a living, breathing system encompassing a firm's operations. It is a culture where individuals collectively achieve extraordinary results. Organizations that embrace this kind of culture promote honesty and transparency, empower employees to contribute their unique perspectives, and are united by a shared vision. In this episode, Jack Sharry talks with John Drahzal, President and CEO at Horizon Investments. John oversees the company's growth and acquisition initiatives and all aspects of the company's operations, which includes investment management, consulting, sales and marketing, technology, finance, and legal. He joined Horizon Investments in 2017 and previously served as President.  John and Jack discuss leadership and how a winning culture drives success. John talks about how Horizon Investment builds its culture and operating principles and the importance of the human element in wealth management. In this episode: [02:19] - How John got into financial services [08:55] - John's transition to CEO [10:39] - Horizon Investment operating principles [17:34] - How a winning culture drives innovation [19:41] - John's thoughts on the future of the industry [21:25] - John's key takeaways [22:09] - John's interests outside of work Quotes [13:04] - "Leadership is about building a winning culture. It's a culture that drives success and where people will work together." ~ John Drahzal [16:29] - "If you instill this culture of coaching and winning through culture, and the employees develop in that culture, it is amazing to see what they can do. Watching that development is amazing." ~ John Drahzall [20:56] - "While the firm will drive efficiencies with technology, I firmly believe that this will continue to be a people-led business and that humans need that because these are really important decisions. We're responsible for their dreams. And that requires the human element." ~ John Drahzal Links  John Drahzal on LinkedIn Horizon Investments Victory Capital Robbie Cannon Trillion Dollar Coach Danielle Learned Money Management Institute Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

Over the past three years, Jack Sharry has hosted the WealthTech on Deck podcast, featuring interviews with some of the best and brightest financial services leaders. Through these conversations, Jack has learned valuable lessons that will shape the future of the retirement industry. In this episode, we flip the script as Jack takes the guest seat, and Matt Nollman, VP of Marketing at LifeYield, hosts the show. They discuss the evolution of the retirement industry, reflecting on 150+ episodes of the podcast. They cover key lessons such as the rise of Unified Managed Households (UMH), the critical importance of tax management, and strategies for organic growth. They also discuss the transformative potential of AI in wealth management, and share valuable career advice, emphasizing the power of deep, intentional listening. In this episode: [02:33] - Five lessons from 150+ wealth tech leaders [05:33] - Unified Managed Household (UMH) Explained [10:25] - Why firms invest so much in tax management technology [15:41] - Four factors consumers look for when planning their finances [18:12] - Top firms that grow organically and how they do it [23:22] - The role of technology and AI in financial services [31:14] - Jack's key takeaways [34:58] - Jack's advice for aspiring industry leaders Quotes [10:49] - "Studies show that the biggest cost investors incur is taxes. So, if you're going to improve outcome, you have to figure out how to minimize tax and maximize outcome, whether for accumulation or income." ~ Jack Sharry [15:45] - "The top four things consumers are looking for are tax planning, retirement planning, investment management, and cash flow planning. So, what they're looking for is to reduce paying taxes." ~ Jack Sharry [16:11] - "If you're going to improve the outcome, it's a multi-account exercise. You can't improve one account at a time. You need to do it in a coordinated fashion." ~ Jack Sharry Links  Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Retirement Leadership Forum FA Mag Edmund Murphy Empower Natalie Wolfsen Orion Advisors Solutions Jed Finn Morgan Stanley Rose Palazzo Edward Jones Aaron Schumm Vestwell Jasmine Jirele Allianz Life John Thiel Merrill Lynch Envestnet Vanguard EY Morningstar 55ip Chip Roame Tiburon Strategic Advisors Fidelity Investments Charles Schwab Amy Young Microsoft Rob Pettman TIFIN Jud Mackrill Milemarker Sage Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

The Legends of WealthTech is a series about the history and evolution of the advisory business, featuring professionals who have powerfully shaped the industry. This week, Jack talks with Paul Hatch, Founding Partner and CEO at Vestria Capital. Paul oversees the firm's strategic vision, operations, and growth. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Paul held senior leadership roles at Citibank, UBS, and Morgan Stanley, responsible for developing and managing a wide range of investment products, services, and markets for the wealth management divisions. Jack and Paul talk about the history of managed money, its growth from a niche offering to a cornerstone of modern wealth management, and how it drove the evolution of industry giants. They also discuss the cultural integration challenges during mergers and acquisitions and how client-centric advisory services overcome these hurdles. In this episode: [01:28] - How Paul got started in the advisory industry [04:01] - Paul's transition to managed money [10:27] - The evolution of managed money  [16:15] - Cultural challenges [20:09] - Paul's career transition from large firms to independent ventures [24:44] - Vestria Capital's role in the advisory space [27:33] - Paul's key takeaways [28:49] - Paul's interest outside of work Quotes [11:34] - "UMAs showed they were a better solution for the clients. It brought costs down, and most importantly, it meant that you were managing as a portfolio, not as a series of asset classes." ~ Paul Hatch [17:55] - "When you raise your right hand and swear that you are going to do what is best for the client, that's really what advisory business is all about." ~ Paul Hatch  [22:46] - "I don't think it's enough that you service clients. You have to show them the results." ~ Paul Hatch Links  Paul Hatch on LinkedIn Vestria Capital Citi Bank UBS Morgan Stanley Len Reinhart Frank Campanale Money Management Institute Roger Paradiso James Gorman Jed Finn Ben Huneke Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

WealthTech in the Weeds is a series covering the broad yet critical path to financial services. The goal is to get together with industry experts and get into the details of building an effective, productive, coordinated, and comprehensive advice system. In this episode, Jack talks with Jeff Benfield, Head of Advisor Solutions at SEI, and Martin Cowley, Chief Product Officer at LifeYield. Jeff leads the strategic vision, roadmap, and execution of the financial advisor technology suite of solutions for SEI's independent advisor business. With a focus on relationship-centric platform architecture, Jeff has been instrumental in developing SEI's Wealth Platform, leading the charge in building a multi-account, multi-relationship approach to empower advisors. Martin brings vast experience working with various firms to build comprehensive and coordinated platforms. With a focus on API-first architecture, he helps firms integrate seamlessly and avoid the pitfalls of disparate systems. Jack talks with Jeff and Martin about building multi-account, multi-factor relationship platforms for advisors. Jeff and Martin highlight the challenges and importance of operationalizing complex systems at scale and their strategies for connecting and empowering advisors with more innovative tools and platforms. In this episode: [02:17] - SEI's approach to building a multi-account UMH platform [06:02] - How SEI helps advisors achieve better results [08:32] - How LifeYield uses technology to enhance the user experience [11:15] - The importance of partnerships in building platforms for advisors [14:47] - How LifeYied addresses multicurrency and tax in the US and UK [17:26] - How SEI overcomes the challenge of scaling and operationalizing UMH [19:40] - LifeYield's approach to operationalizing UMH [21:52] - Jeff's key takeaways [24:23] - Martin's key takeaways Quotes [22:16] - "Tax is the center of what we do. Our ability to lean into that to make sure that we're the platform best suited to solve that problem of the household balance sheet and how we're able to solve the tax problem is where we're going." ~ Jeff Benfield [22:30] - "Utilizing and leveraging the technology that's built and currently coming out to make those smart tools, make them intelligent, and give that personalized feel is where we're leaning into." ~ Jeff Benfield [24:23] - "The move towards householding is happening, and it's widespread. SEI is far ahead in that front just with the new system being built, and the fact that it's multicurrency, multi-jurisdiction is just icing on the cake. It's very powerful." ~ Martin Cowley [25:46] - "It's always good to pick something that's valuable, focus on that, and support people in using it, so they understand the incremental benefit they're getting." ~ Martin Cowley Links  Jeff Benfield on LinkedIn Martin Cowley on LinkedIn SEI LifeYield Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack talks with Arlen Oransky, Executive Vice President and Chief Membership Officer at Money Management Institute (MMI). With more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry, Arlen has been instrumental in shaping its growth and evolution. He has significantly contributed to expanding MMI's membership and programs and is known for his behind-the-scenes influence and dedication to promoting industry collaboration and education. Jack and Arlen talk about the historical development of separately managed accounts (SMAs). He shares how MMI grew from a small group of SMA advocates to a robust institution representing the broader advisory solutions market. Arlen also discusses the firm's educational efforts to prepare the next generation of industry leaders and the collaborative approach MMI fosters among asset managers, wealth managers, and solutions providers to drive industry growth and innovation. In this episode: [03:35] - The evolution of separately managed accounts (SMAs) [06:56] - How MMI has fueled SMA growth [08:37] - Growth and Evolution of MMI [13:41] - MMI's initiative for engaging and educating asset managers [15:44] - Reflections and personal stories [18:32] - The evolution of comprehensive advisory services [21:48] - Arlen's key takeaways and interests outside of work Quotes [07:13] - "MMI's mandate expanded just above and beyond what we were doing back in the day. It was all around enabling and facilitating industry dialogue and industry growth. And that's at the forefront of where we are now." ~ Arlen Oransky [20:44] - "We want to help create a legacy not only for the Money Management Institute but, more importantly, for individuals who are going to carry this industry forward." ~ Arlen Oransky [22:05] - "Stay educated. Feel free to get outside your comfort zone. That's the only way that you're going to advance and learn." ~ Arlen Oransky Links  Arlen Oransky on LinkedIn Money Management Institute John Thiel Noreen Beaman Cheryl Nash InvestCloud Lori Hardwick Len Reinhart Jim Seuffert Roger Paradiso Franklin Templeton Investments Craig Pfeiffer John Coyne Phoenix Investment Partners Robbie Cannon Horizon Investments Thrive | Money Management Institute Steve Gresham The New Managed Account Solutions Handbook Tim Williams Adri Chocolates Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

In this episode, Jack talks with Tim Williams, Executive Vice President of Education Initiatives at the Money Management Institute (MMI). Tim is a seasoned business strategist with a proven track record in steering cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions. With more than three decades of experience in wealth and asset management, he brings deep expertise in business strategy, innovation, change management, and professional development. Jack and Tim discuss MMI's professional development programs, highlighting initiatives designed to sharpen leadership skills and open doors for career advancement within the industry. Tim also shares his insights on cultivating a growth mindset, the importance of continuous learning, and the value of building a strong network of industry experts. In this episode: [01:30] - Tim's career path in asset and wealth management [06:09] - How Tim transitioned into the development side of wealth management [07:41] - Tim's current projects at MMI [10:42] - MMI's mentorship program [14:30] - MMI's upcoming development program [17:13] - How Tim turns innovative ideas into practical, actionable strategies [21:47] - Tim's perspective on leadership within wealth management [27:43] - Tim's key takeaways [32:25] - Tim's interests outside of work Quotes [12:51] - “The number one lesson I've learned from participants is how much this program gives them awareness that they're not in this alone.” ~ Tim Williams [29:50] - "We are so focused on the process that we have forgotten that the best way to innovate, get organic growth, and move the ball forward is a growth mindset—meaning, fail early, fail fast, test, and learn." ~ Tim Williams [31:57] - "We are getting a new era of leaders. We have to embrace them and support them. We can learn a lot from them." ~ Tim Williams Links  Tim Williams on LinkedIn Money Management Institute Craig Pfeiffer Len Reinhart Danielle Learned NYU Stern Blackstone Broadridge Morgan Stanley Microsoft PwC Academy | Money Management Institute Executive IQ | Money Management Institute Leadership Pathway | Money Management Institute University of Virginia Darden School of Business Jacquelyn Reardon Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

The integration of artificial intelligence is poised to significantly transform wealth management. AI's true value lies in its ability to solve complex business challenges. By understanding the industry's specific pain points, AI can be used strategically to drive growth, boost profitability, and deliver exceptional client experiences. In this episode, Jack talks with Rob Pettman, President & Chief Revenue Officer at TIFIN. In his role, Rob oversees revenue generation strategies, forges strategic partnerships, and drives the company's growth initiatives. Rob talks with Jack about the types of AI used in managing wealth and the efficiency and growth potential it brings. He also shares how TIFIN helps wealth management firms implement AI into their practices. In this episode: [01:30] - Rob's role at TIFIN [03:57] - Two types of AI that can be applied to wealth management [06:59] - How AI supercharges organic growth [13:20] - How Rob helps wealth management firms implement AI [15:25] - AI decision-makers [17:27] - Rob's thoughts on the future of the industry [19:14] - Rob's key takeaways [20:22] - Rob's interests outside of work Quotes [03:11] - "I met with a lot of technology firms, and everybody will tell you what the technology does. But very rarely does anybody really help you understand the business problems that the technology could solve for you." ~ Rob Pettman [05:04] - "Think about some of the commercial applications for [AI]. It can help with predictive growth. It can help with predictive risk management, whether in a portfolio context or a compliance context. We have massive sums of data in wealth management. And so the ability to be able to train these algos on them and then essentially leverage them to get additional horsepower creates operational efficiency in our decision-making process" ~ Rob Pettman [15:45] - "Supervised AI is an algorithm that learns over time. The sooner I start, the smarter it is over time. So if I start earlier than my competitors, my stuff's going to be a lot smarter than their stuff when they start late." ~ Rob Pettman Links  Rob Pettman on LinkedIn TIFIN Sage Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook

For decades, the financial world focused on investments. But, eventually, that focus shifted to planning. It wasn't just about the “what” of investing but the “why”. This evolution changed wealth management, and represents a move away from a one-size-fits-all strategy and toward a more flexible, client-driven approach. In this episode, Jack talks with Robbie Cannon, a Board Member at Founders Financial. He is also the Founder of Horizon Investments and a Board Member of the Money Management Institute (MMI). With a background in quantitative finance and goals-based investment strategies, Robbie has made Horizon a leader in the industry. His passion for innovation and client outcomes has driven his success as a leader and influencer in the wealth management sector. Robbie talks with Jack about how he built Horizon Investments from the ground up, the evolution of goals-based investing, and the importance of personalized advice. Robbie also shares his latest venture with Thrive by Money Management Institute, and how AI, blockchain, and quantitative finance is driving a new era of financial planning. Key Takeaways [01:58] - Robbie's journey in wealth management [03:28] - How goals-based investing evolved [07:30] - What the green line represents in wealth management [10:41] - Horizon Investments' approach to achieving client goals [12:12] - How Horizon provides guidance to advisors [13:55] - What it takes to be in the outcome space [15:55] - What Thrive by Money Management Institute is all about [20:06] - Robbie's thoughts on the future of the industry [22:28] - Robbie's key takeaways [24:29] - Robbie's interests outside of work Quotes [09:26] - "Entrepreneurship is about weathering the markets and being able to pivot and navigate. At Horizon, flexibility is built inside. It comes with smart individuals wrapped around a singular goal — client outcomes." ~ Robbie Cannon [10:10] - "Advisors enter the business to help people. As asset managers, our job is to help advisors help their clients weather the market." ~ Robbie Cannon Links  Robbie Cannon on LinkedIn Money Management Institute Thrive | Money Management Institute Horizon Investments Fidelity Investments Morningstar The Advice Age Danielle Learned John Drahzal Connect with our hosts LifeYield Jack Sharry on LinkedIn Jack Sharry on Twitter Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify LinkedIn Twitter Facebook